Azure Cost Optimizer

Quick Start

Analyze Azure costs and implement optimization strategies to reduce spending while maintaining performance.

Instructions

Step 1: Analyze current costs

View cost analysis

az cost-management query
--type Usage
--dataset-aggregation name="PreTaxCost" function="Sum"
--dataset-grouping name="ResourceGroup" type="Dimension"

View costs by service

az cost-management query
--type Usage
--dataset-grouping name="ServiceName" type="Dimension"

Step 2: Identify optimization opportunities

Check for unused resources:

• Unattached disks

• Idle virtual machines

• Unused public IPs

• Orphaned network interfaces

Review resource utilization:

• VM CPU and memory usage

• Database DTU utilization

• Storage account access patterns

• Network bandwidth usage

Step 3: Implement cost-saving measures

Reserved Instances:

• 1-year or 3-year commitments

• Up to 72% savings vs pay-as-you-go

• Recommended for stable workloads

Azure Hybrid Benefit:

• Use existing Windows Server licenses

• Use existing SQL Server licenses

• Significant cost savings

Rightsizing:

• Downsize overprovisioned VMs

• Adjust database tiers

• Optimize storage tiers

Spot VMs:

• Up to 90% savings

• Suitable for interruptible workloads

• Batch processing, dev/test

Advanced

For detailed information, see:

• Pricing Models - Azure pricing tiers and models

• Reserved Instances - RI recommendations and strategies

• Rightsizing - VM and resource sizing guidance